As many people will know, BB Blackdog are a UK-based steampunk style band. They play psychedelic heavy rock music, performed on two bass guitars and a custom pink drumkit. That’s right, no lead guitar in sight. And they are usually accompanied by Madame Demolitia Tribal, who performs a steampunk belly dance burlesque routine to go alongside.

Lots of people, me included, like their music. Not everyone does, but if we all liked the same thing, things would get a little dull…

You may also know that on Friday 21st December, BB Blackdog had all, and yes I mean all, of their kit stolen from the band van when in Sheffield, England. That’s two custom bass guitars, two custom drum kits, all the associated mics, wires, and wireless systems; outfits; all of Demolitia Tribal’s stage performance gear; all the flight cases, absolutely everything. This stuff is unique. It’s never going to be replaced – and we all know how insurance is going to treat custom gear. The guys will get something back – but it will in no way cover what they’ve lost.

You MAY also know that unlike many of the bands on the UK steampunk circuit, BB Blackdog are professional – so while it would hurt Crimson Clocks to lose all our stuff – hurt us a lot! – it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We have day jobs, so we’ll keep on paying the bills. For BB Blackdog, music IS their day job. What they’ve lost is actually their entire livelihoods. What these people have casually stolen is BB Blackdog’s ability to pay the rent.

Here’s some things you may not know about BB Blackdog. They’re not only a band; they’re a band that supports other bands, and provides opportunities for others to play. Crimson Clocks got our first and second gigs courtesy of Dale taking a chance on us, unheard at the time. He’s still offering us gigs now. I’m sure Gladstone and other bands would say the same thing.

They’re a band that looks after their fans; it’s one reason why they have a loyal following. They’re willing to talk to people, and to give them what they want.

They’re a band that joins in with other events, and puts on events that are about more than just the music. I first met Dale and former bassist John Ferguson at a steampunk trip to Alton Towers, a theme park in Staffordshire. I’d already been discussing science fiction with Dale via facebook. It’s not all about pushing for gigs for these guys, it’s about being part of, and supporting, a community.

Now – they need support from that community. They need help to replace their kit. They’re soldiering on with borrowed stuff at the moment, but they’re losing revenue as they are having to cancel, and long-term, it just isn’t sustainable.

It’s also not their full act. The look of surprise on people’s faces at the Roadhouse when Puppy Dog Mike appeared in the bar while he was playing was priceless – his wireless kit allows him to wander around and adds a completely different dimension to the act. Without it, the Puppy Dog is being kept on the leash. Without the gimp masks (yes, really) that Demolitia uses on people, without that pink drumkit tailored to size for drummer Axel (who is a little on the tall side), without those lovingly customised instruments… they still sound great. But it’s not... quite...them.

So what’s to be done about it? Well, the lovely Cas, in conjunction with Lord Montague Jacques Fromage III has set up a kickstarter fundraiser. If you’re a fan of their music, or just a fan of what they’ve done for the steampunk community, then please consider donating. If you can’t donate – then please share details of the fundraiser – and of the loss. Please help if you can, however you can.

In a few days time it will be the shortest day – possibly very short indeed if the apocalypse happens. In the event that we all survive, though, Crimson Clocks have been polishing up our Christmas carols for BB Blackdog’s Christmas Party on Saturday 22nd December in at the Snooty Fox in Wakefield.

The event is going to be streamed live to the internet via the Snooty Fox’s web-feed at http://snootyfoxlive.com/live-stream - bands will be on from 1700GMT, so even if you’re not in Wakefield (and why wouldn’t you be?), you can still catch a glimpse of the Clocks fabled pussy, our skill with candy canes and the harmonious (ahem) warblings of the Cooke siblings.

You’ll notice a slight difference if you’ve seen us before. At the moment, we are slightly reduced in number (we are currently recruiting for a guitarist, btw!); so we have compensated by making Jo play four times as many notes as normal, making me play guitar on one track (as a fully paid up graduate of the Les Dawson school of musicianship); and finally by drafting in a special guest star for what will be our final number! Hopefully, the audience will support us with copious air guitar for the other tracks...

We will, as usual, have some CDs with us; and I will also have some Last Line publications for sale, including The Home Front. May I say what excellent last minute Christmas presents these will make for anyone who has left their shopping a bit late. Ahem. Must do something about that cough. If I survive the apocalypse....

Author

I'm a writer of steampunk/ fantasy fiction, singer/musician and writer at LM Cooke Music, singer in the parody band Mediaeval Biaetches, occasional historian, and co-presenter of the Gothic Alternative Steampunk and Progressive web radio show. Here I will ramble vaguely about stuff. Friends, countrymen, and people who aren't countrymen, lend me your ears...